History
The T-34 series, with its sloping armour, changed the principles of tank design during the war. The sloping, angular layout of the T-34 increased the effective armour thickness, and also saw a larger proportion of shells deflected away than penetrated its armour. The introduction of the T-34 into action saw German tank design follow suit with similarly angled armour on the likes of the Panther and King Tiger. As German tank design came to the fore, the Soviet war machine once again raised the bar with the T-34/85.
The T-34/85, the very symbol of Soviet military strength in the Second World War, had a new turret to house the more powerful 85mm ZiS gun. A supremely rugged and reliable tank, the T-34/85 had excellent off-road capability, especially in the marshland or snow of the Eastern Front, and was easy for the crew to operate and maintain.
Platoon Organisaton
The Soviet Union fielded T-34/85s in platoons of three;
In Bolt Action
Overall thoughts: When writing Soviet Army lists there aren’t many better ways of spending 235 points. Its Medium Armour means it has to stay wary but its Heavy Anti-tank gun means it generally kills what it hits!
Best target: Any Medium or Heavy armoured vehicle, to use its +6 Heavy Anti-tank gun to full effect.
Most feared foe: Any Air attack as the Soviet forces struggle to bring much Flak to the table.
Most memorable action: A particularly sneaky reserve attack move saw a T-34/85 advance on to the table as the last move of turn 3 taking out an Sd.Kfz 222 with its first shot. Then as the first move of turn 4 it destroyed a Panzer IV with a long ranged flank shot!
Hobby
The Plastic T-34/85 kit goes together quickly – the kit comprises two sprues and is supplied with an easy-to-follow assembly guide that gives step-by-step instructions that mean your tank will be battle-ready in no time. A handy digital form of the instruction leaflet can be found here for your reference also.
The standard kit can be built-upon in several ways, with the addition of accessories found in the Armoury – Decals, Stowage, Soviet Tankers, Tank Riders, Oil Barrels, Jerry Cans, and much more will all add to the character and uniqueness of your tank.
Article written by Sam Phillips
In addition to all the great new content in the Tank War book you receive an exclusive miniature for free of this superb panzer commander. Unhorsed and letting loose with his trusty MP40 ‘Schmeisser’ SMG, he can represent dismounted tank crew or even be fielded in your Last Levy army as a panzer crewman with no tank left to ride in!
Dan Hewitson
Tom Mecredy
Craig Nixon